Contact: [email protected]
“You cannot understand good design if you do not understand people; design is made for people.”
– Dieter Rams
The Design Thrust focuses on engaging and building the intellectual capital of our Architects, creating opportunities for discourse and thought leadership on good design through:-
- publications
- awards
- exhibitions of exemplary works
- public and industry engagements
- promotion of fair competitions
- collaborating with various agencies and IHLs on design-related events and initiatives
Aligned with the Institute’s directive of promoting innovation and sustainability as integral to design, the Design Thrust also hopes to highlight and recognise our members and their good works of that spirit, in hope that we can gain momentum as a community working together towards the leadership of these attributes.
Our yearly offering of programmes and projects will be fine-tuned to champion these aspects and they include Archifest, SIA Architectural Design Awards, Design competitions, Capability Profiles, The Singapore Architect (TSA) publication and seminars on design and sustainability in the built environment.
Design Thrust 2025/2026
Co-Chairs: Ar. Wong Ker How and Ar. Melvin Keng
Design Competition
Contact: [email protected]
The Design Competitions Committee upholds one of SIA’s longest-running traditions: promoting open design competitions as a means to advance architectural innovation and public engagement. Since the 1960s, SIA has played a pivotal role in championing design competitions that uncover new ideas, nurture emerging talent, and shape Singapore’s evolving built environment.
Today, SIA continues this legacy by partnering with government agencies, charities, and non-profit organisations to deliver design challenges that respond to both urban and social needs. Recent collaborations include the Bukit Merah Town Centre Placemaking Challenge, Raffles Place Park Design Competition, and Queensway Viaduct Node Design Competition. Such initiatives reimagine public spaces and foster community connection.
By serving as a trusted promoter and facilitator, SIA reinforces the enduring value of design competitions as a platform for creativity, collaboration, and civic impact, ensuring architecture remains a driving force in shaping a more liveable, inclusive, and inspiring Singapore.
Archifest
Contact: [email protected]
The Archifest (Singapore Architecture Festival) is an annual festival for the city to celebrate architecture and the built environment. Archifest is a platform for all walks of life to discuss, debate and deliberate architectural issues. Participants will find themselves engaging in uninhibited dialogue, creative collaborations and a constant exchange of ideas.
Awards
Contact: [email protected]
The Awards Committee develops and refines the framework for awards organised by the Institute which include defining the categories, judging criteria, judging process, and related exhibitions etc.
Publications
Contact: [email protected]
Through the Publications Committee, SIA curates and shares architectural insights via the Singapore Architect website. Featuring project showcases, capability profiles, and professional thought pieces, these publications serve as a living archive of design excellence and a platform for amplifying the voices of Singaporean architects locally and globally.
Think Tank
Contact: [email protected]
SIA’s Think Tank Committee advances design thought leadership through research collaborations and consultancy studies that influence planning and policy. Its work with agencies such as URA and SportSG — including projects like the Sembawang Shipyard District Study and Planning and Design Guidelines for Sports Infrastructure — demonstrates how architects can contribute meaningfully to national development frameworks.